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downs fearless

DETERMINED: Mamelodi Sundowns players during a training session at Chloorkop in Midrand yesterday.Pic. Veli Nhlapo. 17/09/2008. © Sowetan
DETERMINED: Mamelodi Sundowns players during a training session at Chloorkop in Midrand yesterday.Pic. Veli Nhlapo. 17/09/2008. © Sowetan

Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

The fear that Mamelodi Sundowns always have when they face Kaizer Chiefs at night, may now be a thing of the past.

The two meet in the inaugural MTN8 final at Kings Park Rugby Stadium in Durban on Saturday at 8pm.

The two giants who have beefed up their squads with quality players have met five times in the finals, with Chiefs emerging winners.

But yesterday, the Brazilians' players were adamant that the new trophy will be going to Chloorkop and not Naturena.

Some of the players Sowetan spoke to admitted that they had lost a number of finals against Amakhosi, particularly at night.

Sundowns captain Michael Manzini said they were sick and tired of being bullied by Chiefs, and this time the gloves were off.

"They have won a number of trophies against us and more so at night. This one too is at night so we're going to go for them.

"It is vital that we take them by the scruff of their necks because we've been performing well. We're not under pressure but we respect them," he said.

Goalkeeper Brian "Spiderman" Baloyi said he knew about Chiefs' secrets when he was still playing for them. But now that they have acquired new youngsters and new technical staff, he was unable to say what game plan they were going to use.

"But I expect one of the toughest games of my life and I'm looking forward to a good and exciting final. I'm after the new trophy because after 10 years the trophy will still be there while money will be finished."

Benedict Vilakazi who joined the Brazilians early this season said he was happy to be in the final, which was one of the high points in his career.

"Chiefs have a number of good players but we don't have to be too cautious," he said.

He added that players such as Gert Schalkwyk, Jose Torrealba and Reneilwe Letsholonyane were a big threat to most teams. But he promised that they will fight to lift the trophy.

Sibusiso Zuma, who also joined the Brazilians from Amina Bielefeld said he was delighted that his two-game suspension was over.

"It'll be my first cup final since I arrived in the country, but we have a lot to prove to lift the trophy. We had a good start to the season and we hope to retain that momentum," he said.

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